In the last few weeks, Nepal has gone through some of the most dramatic political changes in recent years. What started as anger against corruption and a ban on social media apps has now reshaped the country’s leadership and future direction.
Why People Came on the Streets
The protests began when the Nepal government banned as many as 26 social media apps. For the country’s young population — especially Gen Z — this was like taking away their most important space for expression and connection. Allegations of rampant corruption only added fuel to the fire. Soon, demonstrations spread across the country.
The situation escalated quickly. Government buildings were set on fire. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and senior officials were forced to resign. What followed was complete political chaos in the Himalayan nation.
Discord: The Unexpected Tool of Protesters
In this chaos, the young protesters found an unusual way to make collective decisions — *Discord*. For those who don’t know, Discord is a platform launched in 2015, initially designed for gamers to chat while playing. But over the years, it has grown into a huge space for communities worldwide.
On Discord, people can create their own servers, have voice or text discussions, and even vote or plan activities. The Nepalese youth used it as their digital meeting ground to decide their next step — and even to select who should lead them.
Imagine that: a generation that was once chatting about online games now using the same tool to shape the country’s politics.
Nepal’s New Prime Minister: Sushila Karki
And the choice they made surprised everyone. The protesters, mostly from Gen Z, backed Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former and first woman Chief Justice, as the new interim Prime Minister.
At 73, Karki represents a generation far older than the protesters themselves. But her reputation for honesty and independence as a judge made her a natural candidate in the eyes of many young Nepalese who were tired of corruption and political games.
This marks a historic moment — not only is she the country’s first woman chief justice, but now she has also become Nepal’s Prime Minister during one of the most turbulent times.
Honoring the Protesters Who Died
The protests did not come without sacrifice. Several people lost their lives during the demonstrations. The new government has officially declared them as *martyrs (shaheed). Families of those who died will also receive compensation of **10 lakh rupees each*.
This decision is seen as a symbolic step to acknowledge the price people paid for change and to begin healing a deeply divided nation.
What Lies Ahead for Nepal
The curfew in Nepal has now been lifted, and the immediate unrest seems to have calmed. But the challenges are far from over. The new leadership must deal with rebuilding trust, ensuring corruption-free governance, and reconnecting with the young population that has shown it will not stay silent.
What stands out most from this episode is how technology is reshaping politics. A platform created for gamers became the place where a nation decided its new leader. For many Indians watching from across the border, it is a reminder of how powerful youth energy and digital platforms can be in shaping real-world events.
Nepal today stands at a crossroads, but one thing is clear: its young citizens have already proven they are ready to take charge of their future — and they’ll do it in their own way, even if that means choosing a Prime Minister through Discord.